Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower” Surpasses 1 Billion Streams on Spotify, Beating “Chihiro” to Become the Second Hit from Hit Me Hard and Soft

Billie Eilish continues to dominate the music industry with yet another major achievement. Her song “Wildflower,” known for its haunting melody and emotionally charged lyrics, has officially surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. This milestone makes it the second track from her critically acclaimed third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, to reach such staggering numbers, following the success of “Chihiro.”

While Eilish’s rise to fame has been marked by chart-topping hits and Grammy wins, the success of “Wildflower” highlights not just her musical prowess but her ability to connect with listeners on a deep, emotional level. Despite its massive streaming numbers, however, fans remain puzzled by one surprising fact—there is still no official music video for the track.

The Story Behind “Wildflower”

Released on February 28, 2025, as the fourth single from Hit Me Hard and Soft, “Wildflower” quickly became a fan favorite. The folk-pop track, co-written and produced by Eilish’s brother and longtime collaborator Finneas O’Connell, explores complex themes of friendship, betrayal, and guilt. It tells the story of Eilish comforting a friend after a breakup, only to later become romantically involved with the same ex-boyfriend—an act that leads to overwhelming guilt and introspection.

The song’s lyrics, which blend vulnerability and remorse, resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling it to number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned double-platinum certifications in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This commercial success further solidified Eilish’s reputation as a master storyteller with a knack for capturing raw, human emotions.

Performances and Promotion

To promote “Wildflower,” Eilish delivered a series of unforgettable live performances that showcased her artistic depth. One standout moment was her July 2024 appearance on Amazon Music’s Songline series, where she performed an intimate acoustic rendition of the track. Later that year, in September 2024, Eilish returned to A Color’s Show, a platform where she had first performed back in 2017 before her meteoric rise to fame. This return to her roots was seen as a full-circle moment, symbolizing her growth as an artist.

On October 19, 2024, Eilish also performed “Wildflower” on Saturday Night Live, accompanied by Finneas on acoustic guitar. The stripped-down performance captivated audiences and further boosted the song’s popularity, cementing it as one of the standout tracks from Hit Me Hard and Soft.

Lyrics That Sparked Fan Speculation

As with many of Eilish’s songs, “Wildflower” sparked plenty of discussion and speculation among fans. Some listeners believe the song is autobiographical, pointing to possible connections between the lyrics and Eilish’s real-life experiences. One popular theory is that the track alludes to her past relationship with Jesse Rutherford and his ex-girlfriend, Devon Lee Carlson. The title “Wildflower” is thought to reference Carlson’s company, Wildflower Cases.

Music critics have praised Eilish’s ability to convey complex emotions through her lyrics. Alex Hopper of American Songwriter described “Wildflower” as a “pseudo-apology” that offers a candid exploration of guilt and regret. Hopper noted that the song’s vulnerability and honesty are what make it so impactful, as it invites listeners to confront their own emotional complexities.

A Critical and Commercial Success

The critical reception to “Wildflower” has been overwhelmingly positive. Billboard ranked it as their top pick from Hit Me Hard and Soft, with writer Hannah Dailey praising its “soulful and gloomy” sound. Dailey also highlighted Eilish’s mature songwriting, emphasizing the way the track tells a layered story with apparent simplicity.

The song’s commercial success speaks for itself. Achieving 1 billion streams on Spotify is no small feat, and it places Eilish in an elite category of artists who have reached this milestone. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the fact that “Wildflower” managed to rack up these numbers without the help of an official music video—a rarity in today’s visually driven music landscape.

Why No Music Video?

The absence of a music video for “Wildflower” has been a topic of debate among fans. Many expected Eilish to release a visually stunning video to accompany the song, especially given her track record of creating memorable and thought-provoking visuals. However, despite fan speculation and numerous fan-made videos, no official music video has been released to date.

Some fans have suggested that the lack of a music video adds to the song’s mystique, allowing listeners to focus solely on the lyrics and melody without any visual distractions. Others, however, are still holding out hope that Eilish will surprise them with a late-release video that captures the essence of the track.

Comparing “Wildflower” and “Chihiro”

Before “Wildflower” hit the 1-billion-stream mark, Eilish’s song “Chihiro” from the same album had already achieved this milestone. While both tracks are beloved by fans, they offer distinct listening experiences. “Chihiro,” with its ethereal soundscapes and dreamlike quality, transports listeners to a different world, while “Wildflower” takes a more grounded approach, delving into personal guilt and emotional turmoil.

This contrast between the two songs showcases Eilish’s versatility as an artist. Whether she’s creating otherworldly soundscapes or exploring raw human emotions, she has a unique ability to connect with her audience on a profound level.

The Role of Streaming Platforms

The success of “Wildflower” and “Chihiro” also highlights the growing importance of streaming platforms like Spotify in today’s music industry. These platforms have revolutionized the way music is consumed, allowing artists to reach global audiences with unprecedented speed and ease. For Eilish, whose career took off in the digital age, streaming services have been instrumental in her rise to superstardom.

By making her music accessible to millions of listeners around the world, platforms like Spotify have helped Eilish build a diverse and dedicated fan base. This accessibility has also enabled her to experiment with different musical styles and themes, knowing that her fans will follow her wherever her artistic journey takes her.

The Power of Fan Engagement

One of the most remarkable aspects of Eilish’s success is her ability to engage with her fans in meaningful ways. The absence of an official music video for “Wildflower” has not diminished fan engagement—in fact, it has inspired fans to create their own visual interpretations and share them on social media. This user-generated content has helped keep the song in the spotlight and fostered a sense of community among Eilish’s fans.

By encouraging this kind of creative collaboration, Eilish has strengthened her bond with her audience and demonstrated the power of fan-driven content in the digital age.

A Glimpse into the Future

As Billie Eilish continues to evolve as an artist, the success of “Wildflower” serves as a reminder of her enduring impact on the music industry. With its introspective lyrics, haunting melody, and impressive streaming numbers, the song has solidified its place as one of Eilish’s most memorable tracks.

Whether or not an official music video ever materializes, “Wildflower” will undoubtedly remain a beloved part of Eilish’s discography—a testament to her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience through music.